The Sand Dollar Lounge — Restaurant in Paradise

Wow, the Sand Dollar has changed! Back in the late 90’s my late husband and I and our friends often found this to be a hell of a Good Friday or Saturday night stop as we rode our Harley’s bar hopping. It was to me, rough and tumble, and dark and somewhat of a dive. That is what made it a good time! You could expect to see a fight in the parking lot, and listen to some amazing blues in a smoky room with a mix of people, from bikers with leather to elderly g and mother looking types. When I entered the bar, I had to show ID to a bouncer. Once inside, I found that the decor has been updated, but looking around it looked more like the stuff TGI Friday’s and Applebees used to put in their walls, curated somehow, and not really in-line with what I remember. I found a spot at the bar, and the bartenders got our drink order. They both looked far cool and hip. In fact everyone in the place that weren’t elderly African Americans there to support the band were all in their late twenties and their thirties, hipster, and the number of ironic beards paired with cable knit sweaters or flannels from my era defied the odds. We ordered pizza from a hippie looking dude, his beard a matter of pride that draped across his chest. The pizza came, and despite the hype I found it…. ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE! It was like a greasy saltine with meat on top. We were starved, so we rolled up the drippy, oily pieces so we could get them into our mouths. Drinks were over priced, and we switched to beer. The band was great, and the only bright spot in the whole evening. I guess some things are better remembered than...

My friends and I had made a reservation for the Christmas pop-up because we enjoyed the Halloween pop-up we attended in October. We have respect for the new mandates, but we also wanted to enjoy the atmosphere and take photos/selfies. When we took our masks down for a few seconds so we could take selfies, the owner came over and was very passive aggressive. "we appreciate you sooo much for wearing your masks...." while staring my friend down who came back from the bathroom whom didn't have her mask due to taking photos. There could've been another way to handle it instead of being passive aggressive. Especially when other patrons who didn't have masks on did not receive that kind of treatment. Worst part? The manager served us on at the Halloween pop-up and was amazing and so kind. This was a 180° flip. When we left, one of us let the waitress know we wouldn't return. Instead of asking "what can we do to make it a better experience next time?" or "I'm so sorry you weren't satisfied today. Let me know what we did wrong?" she started to verbally abuse my friend. Saying we were rude and such. This has left a horribly sour taste in our mouths. I'm not saying "the customer is always right wahhhhh" but I'm saying there is a respectful way to speak to your patrons who are bringing you a profit even if they're not right. I wish this place all the best and all the people...

A favorite local bar for many. Super fun during their outdoor December month of fun (bands/live music, pop-up cocktail bar, etc) called "Miracle on Spring Mountain" is a lot of fun!

We visited when Mega Scopes is playing inside the blow up igloo, with 2 outdoor bars. It feels like a house party vibe with bands. Indoor Sand Dollar Lounge is the same divey bar with different bands lined to play. A local favorite bar with possibly some tourist/visitors brought by locals? Don't get this Sand Dollar confused with the downtown similar name bar. Most locals will know you're going here.

If you're looking for another local favorite bar that is festive, try Phoenix Restaurant Bar (great food there too!).

The igloo is up since October but the actual event is all of December with DJs, bands and such indoors. For the event we attended on Saturday, red solo cups are given from indoor bar. Or speciality cocktails are made indoors too in special cups. The two bars outdoor serve different drinks in clear cups, and may differ in offering beer or seltzer. Apparently, an outdoor band is not a usual occasion so it was super crowded for Mega Scopes.

Free parking. It's maybe possible to find even if you park all the way to the back area. Crowd is friendly. Everyone comes with their crew. Gender Restrooms are indoors, one near each outdoor door entry to the...